Zuko x Reader

Date

"Are you sure I can come?" I looked at Iroh who looked sad, but nodded. We first went to the market to pick up some things. 

"If this is for a picnic, may I suggest lavender?" the store worker asked Iroh.

I looked at his variety of baskets. "Not a romantic one, but it is for a special occasion." Iroh paid for the basket.

We continued through the market, Iroh buying things from various stores before we finally left the market by sunset. It was a tall hill, within the city. I stayed a few feet away since this seemed to be a private moment for Iroh. Seeing him place down various items, I realized what the date was. It was Lu Ten's birthday today. The sun had finally went down, and I knelt beside Iroh, looking at the little grave he set up. Putting my hands together and bowed.

"Thank you, for letting me join you." I looked over at Iroh who just smiled at me.

"His letters spoke often of your brother. How your brother missed you dearly." Iroh looked at me and I stared at my hands.

"Of the two of them.. he was the more protective one. Claims its because he's the oldest." I smiled. "I can't even remember what he looks like anymore." I stared at Lu Ten's picture.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked over at Iroh. I wiped the stray tears from my eyes. "I'll head back first." I bowed again towards them both before going back home.

~~~

I was at the tea shop again, mainly because I had nothing to do. I sat at a table by the counter, and noticed another girl at the table by the door, checking Zuko out. 

".. choke." I thought as she sipped her tea, totally not jealous. She stood up and walked over to the counter to pay. 

"I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime." I heard her ask Zuko.

Tightly gripping the cup in my hand, the water in it started to boil, making the cup hot. I quickly put down the cup, blowing air onto my hand as I watched them talk. 

"He'd love to." Iroh answered for him.

"Great. I'll meet you in front of the shop at sundown." she smiled at him and left the shop. I left after paying for my cup.

At sundown, I returned to the tea shop. Watching the two of them from the rooftops. Even though I was too far to hear, I could tell it was awkward. They then left the noodle shop, and going down a dark alley. Getting slightly worried, I followed after them. They stopped at a dark fountain area. I couldn't hear anything, but next thing I knew, Zuko had used his firebending to light the lanterns and lamps in the area. I saw her hand hold his and it seemed like they were about to kiss.

I sighed in relief when Zuko held up something, blocking her. She took the paper, and said something to him. I frowned, seeing her touch his face, to face her. Then she kissed him. It was short. She pulled away, but then Zuko went in for another one. I turned around, not wanting to see anymore. 

I thought back to what Iroh said in our first few days here, about Zuko bringing home a lady-friend and how, "Life happens wherever you are, whether or not you like it."

Leaving the scene, I quietly walked in a random direction, away from him and his date. "I can't be upset. We're not a thing." I told myself. "He's a prince, its impossible." I frowned, repeatedly clenching and unclenching my fist. "Man I wish I could drink.." I thought.

~Zuko's pov~

"What's wrong?" Jin asked me when I pulled back from the kiss.

"It's complicated. I have to go." I told her. Not only was it the issue of who I really was, but also (Y/n). Getting all the way home, Uncle seemed to e making tea again.

"How was your night, Prince Zuko?" he asked me.

Slamming the doors to my room behind me, I paused and opened the door slightly to answer. "It was nice." I closed the door again.

Sitting on the floor, I continued thinking. "Why did I light the lanterns for her? Why did I kiss her back?...." 

"Prince Zuko, do you know where (Y/n) went?" Uncle Iroh asked from behind the doors. 

"She isn't back yet?" Zuko asked, opening the door. Uncle Iroh just shook his head.

~(Y/n)'s pov~

It's been a few days but I didn't want to go back, not without figuring out how I feel. I looked at the missing bison poster. "Guess Aang and them are here.." I considered going back to them. "I can't just run from my problems.." I sighed, laying back down. "It's not like I can go anywhere either." Sitting back up, I decide to go back. "Just.. pretend its work." 

Arriving back at the apartment, I opened the door quietly seeing they were both asleep. Looking around, it seemed like Iroh was nursing Zuko. Sitting beside Zuko, I reached down and he was burning with a fever. 

I picked up the empty bucket and filled it up. Setting it back down next to Zuko, I picked up his towel, and resoaked it. Laying it back on his forehead he seemed to relax. Reaching out, I brushed my hand over the cheek that girl touched. ".. A commoner girl is probably a better option than a trained killer." I pulled my knees up, resting my chin on my knees. 

"I believe Aang can take down your father and sister. I also believe you'd be a great fire lord.." I thought, glancing at my knife. "Maybe, I could reform the Guardians and we could do what we were originally formed to do." I thought.

My brothers told me the Guardians were never meant to be confined to one Nation. It would be a group of benders, under 4 masters. Always training to better understand each other, build comradery, trust and friendships. An independent group that could help train the dragon. The fours masters would represent the legendary guardian animals of myth. An azure dragon (water), red phoenix (fire), white tiger (wind) and black tortoise (earth).

"That's probably a bad idea, maybe if Aang formed it, but not me." I stood up, sitting on the far side of the room. "The best idea seems to be, just locking these feelings away. They will interfere with the mission. Keep your eyes on the goal. Focus, don't get distracted. Think, don't feel. It's better this way." I repeated my training in my head until I fell asleep.